Charak (Fear of Faith) directed by Sheiladitya Moulik is heading to Berlin EFM (75th Berlin International Film Festival, 2025). The film delves into the darkest corners of occult practices and diverse unthinkable acts, including child sacrifice.
Based on real life incidents, Charak takes place during the annual festival of Charak Mela, where devotees venerate the Hindu gods, Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.
The story essentially probes the unsettling clash between faith and humanity, exploring how faith can push ordinary people to extraordinary and horrifying acts of cruelty and violence.
Two school children go missing during the Charak festival – sparking fear and uncertainty among the local populace and then a body of one is discovered, while another remains missing and this ignites further panic and despair - and rumours abound as festival fervour is everywhere.
This film delves into an area of faith and tradition. Faith is a complex business; it both inspires and can destroy. “Making this film is both a way of addressing and tackling abhorrent belief systems which do not reflect wider cultural and religious practice in India," said the director.